Robin Windsor was forced to quit Strictly ‘or risk ending up in wheelchair’ as dancing pro’s health battle revealed
ROBIN Windsor was forced to quit Strictly ‘or risk ending up in wheelchair’, as the dancing professional’s health battle is revealed.
News the 44-year-old BBC star sadly passed away was confirmed this morning.
He had previously opened up about his forced exit from Strictly Come Dancing.
Speaking at the time, he said: “Leaving Strictly wasn’t my choice. I had a horrible back operation and they decided that they didn’t want to ask me back the next year.
“It was probably for health and safety reasons, in case something happened, but I was physically fit.”
During his time on the show, Windsor was paired with the likes of Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, Lisa Riley and Deborah Meaden.
Paying tribute, Strictly co-star James Jordan said: “I had the pleasure of working with this man for many years on Strictly.
“Everyone who came in contact with him adored him, from his celebrity partners to his working colleagues. You will be missed old friend.”
Burn The Floor, an international Ballroom and Latin dance company co-founded by Robin, added: “A BTF journeyman he danced with us for twenty years – including Broadway, The West End and all our crazy adventures around the world.
“His stunning image attached with Jessica Raffa defined our company, colourful, extreme and sensual.
“His talent, attitude, energy and personality helped create the Burn the Floor stage reputation.
“He leaves a void in our hearts that will never be filled, yet our wonderful memories will stay forever.”
It comes as Robin, who placed runner-up on the 2012 series of the BBC show, shared a heartbreaking post on social media days his death.
He shared a photograph on Instagram with the caption: “Hiding in the shadows.”
Robin uploaded the post on January 28, earlier this year.
The following day, the Strictly star replied three love hearts to a tweet from Deborah Meaden on X/Twitter.
She penned: “11 years after we did @bbcstrictly together this happens and it is just lovely!! The wonderful @Robinwindsor and my Mum ( yep…87 years and amazing!!) meeting up in South Africa…don’t you just love it.”
Robin and the Dragons’ Den star reached week five on the show in 2013.
The dancing pro first appeared on the BBC series with Patsy Kensit in 2010, reaching week nine of the competition, before being eliminated at the same stage with Eastenders legend Anita Dobson two years later.
Away from Strictly, Robin also performed in the West End and on Broadway.
He was enrolled at a local dance school in Ipswich aged three, going on to study Ballroom and Latin dance before representing England at international level.
Robin’s big break came in 2001 when he was cast in the popular show Burn The Floor which toured around the world.